DAYTON, Ind. (WLFI) — Election night appears to have resulted in no clarity on the question of annexation in Dayton. The group of candidates opposed to annexation and a proposed housing development captured three Council seats, while those in favor of the expansion captured two. The candidate groups split into groups identifying themselves as “The White Shirt Gang,” those opposed to the annexation, and “The Black Shirt Gang,” which supports the development.

Related: 2019 Election Results

Anti-annexation candidate Ron Koehler won re-election to an At-Large Council seat. Pro-annexation candidate Ashley Stevenson also won re-election to his At-Large seat, beating pro-annexation Steve Schule and anti-annexation candidate Carla Snodgrass.

In Council Ward One, anti-annexation candidate Jen Manago defeated incumbent pro-annexation candidate Mike Harris. 

In Council Ward Two, anti-annexation candidate Al Beavers defeated pro-development incumbent Tammi Nice.

In Dayton Council Ward Three, pro-annexation candidate Tyrone Taylor was re-elected.

The mix of Dayton Council members opposed to the annexation and development versus those in favor of it is 3 to 2.